Estevao: Chelsea's £56m teen set to rock the Club World Cup

Meet Ajax's record-breaking teen who rejected Barcelona

Auckland City: Part-timers looking to shock Bayern & Kane

Will the CWC really crown the best team on the planet?

Six future England stars to watch at the U19 Euros

Editors' Picks

WATCH: Son's priceless reaction as he's asked if he's better than Salah

How to buy Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Copa del Rey tickets

Scotland World Cup 2026 qualifying: Group, fixtures & results 

Santos Laguna vs Monterrey: Stream, TV & where to watch

Where to watch Ronaldo's Al-Nassr games: Stream & TV info

How to buy Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Copa del Rey tickets

Where to watch & stream live MLS games

Man Utd live stream and TV channel broadcast info

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"matchScheduleId":"bltb15444520f7d565f","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Van Basten believes Yamal spends less time with the ball</li><li>Urged the youngster to play in a more central role</li><li>Dutchman feels he can influence games more</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Is Lamine Yamal being wasted on the wing? Wonderkid told how to reach 'the next step' as Netherlands legend picks Barcelona and Spain hero's best position

<p>Yamal was among the best players in the world last season, operating from the right wing. But legendary former Netherlands striker Van Basten argued that the teenager should be fielded in another position in order to allow him to influence the game to his maximum potential. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The Spanish international has enjoyed a dream 12 months, lifting the European Championship with Spain and then helping Barcelona win a domestic treble — La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana. Yamal scored 21 goals and produced a whopping 25 assists for club and country combined in 62 games, making him <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ballon-dor-2025-power-rankings/bltd009fae5576d751f" target="_blank">one of the favourites to lift the Ballon d'Or later this year</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking on <em>Ziggo Sport</em>, Van Basten said: "Best man on the field. It's actually a shame that he plays right wing. Because he doesn't get the ball enough. If he plays more centrally, he has much more influence on the game.</p><p>"Of course he is a constant threat on the right. But I think that if he plays in the axis of the field, he can mean even more to the team. And I think that is the next step. He can score goals, give crosses, put people in front of the goal. We know that by now. The next step should be: what is his influence on the team in the end? Such a good player should play much more in the centre of the field. Which means he has much more of the ball. And is much more important for Barcelona."</p>

WHAT MARCO VAN BASTEN SAID

<p>After <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/nuno-mendes-revels-cancelling-out-lamine-yamal-psg-star-barcelona-wonderkid-quiet-portugal-nations-league-triumph-spain/blte2d6f16be2d60b26" target="_blank">losing the Nations League final against Portugal with Spain</a>, the youngster has headed off for a vacation. Next month, he will return to the Barcelona squad for pre-season duties.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR LAMINE YAMAL?

Is Lamine Yamal being wasted on the wing? Wonderkid told how to reach 'the next step' as Netherlands legend picks Barcelona and Spain hero's best position | Goal.com

Legendary former Dutch striker Marco van Basten believes Lamine Yamal should not play as a winger in order to maximise his impact on the team.

Is Lamine Yamal being wasted on the wing? Wonderkid told how to reach &apos;the next step&apos; as Netherlands legend picks Barcelona and Spain hero&apos;s best position